The couple first went public with their relationship in April of this year. They defended their status after a slew of criticism over the fact that Houghton had announced his divorce from Meleasa Houghton just one month prior to being seen on vacation with Bailon for the first time, E! News reports.

Houghton addressed the criticism in a lengthy statement on Instagram following the engagement.

"I've seen her attacked. Lied about, wrongfully accused, mocked. Laughed at, and misunderstood. But I've also seen the shining example of the eagle she is that rises above the cacophony of the noise of ignorants," he wrote I'm learning from her example. She loves Jesus. She loves her family. She loves people. Even the ones that don't love her back."

He added, "I pray God give me that same grace in my life. I've taken a giant leap of faith in asking her to share life with me forever and to give me a shot at getting it right this time... She has graciously granted my request... She said yes. Thanks Be To God. Thank you @adriennebailon for graciously loving me."